LAURIE DEBUS, 48, (Obit)
BATES-GOULD FUNERAL HOME
Jan 24, 2012 - 9:29:06 AM
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Laurie Debus, 48, of Alliance passed away Sunday, January 22 at Sterling Hospital in Sterling CO. 

She was born April 22, 1963 in Alliance, NE to Edward and Shirley Stafford.  She attended St. Agnes Academy and graduated from Alliance High School in 1980. She studied nursing at Scottsbluff Regional Hospital, graduating in 1982 as an LPN.  She worked at Good Samaritan caring for the elderly until an injury prevented her from continuing her nursing career.  She spent several years as a counselor for the Headstart Program and as an Alcohol/Drug counselor at Human Services, Inc.   Her years providing aid and support to young and old alike was a testament to her love of helping others.  She had a love for animals, adopting as many as she could throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Stafford, two brothers Jim and Dan Stafford, her best friend Michelle Dillon Wizdorf, and second mother June Johnson.  She is survived by her two daughters, Rachel Stafford of Denver, CO and Paige Debus of Lincoln, NE, her husband Anthony Gonzales of Alliance, her father, Edward Stafford of Lakewood, CO, her two sisters Cheryl Nelson of Sheridan, WY and Jackie Webster of Alliance, NE, her step-children Marcus and Naomi Gonzales and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  She is also survived by her constant companions, her dogs, Chica and Bear.

Viewing will be on Friday, January 27th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28th beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Alliance.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with Fr. Lou Nollette, Pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up and can be sent to: C/O Rachel Stafford, Western Heritage Credit Union, P.O. Box 697, Alliance, NE  69301.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.